Sarah Courtney,Minister for Small Business, Hospitality and Events
Tasmanians are being encouraged to support their local restaurants, cafes, bars and other hospitality venues as part of a new campaign commencing today.
The Welcome Back campaign is a collaboration between Tourism Tasmania and the Tasmanian Hospitality Association (THA) to inspire Tasmanians to support our hospitality operators by connecting with their friends and family for some of the activities they enjoy doing, like a morning brunch or Friday night drink.
I am deeply aware the hospitality industry felt the full force of the COVID-19 impact and that's why it's really important we now get out and help get these businesses back on their feet.
We know they are at the lifeblood of many regional communities and at the core of the Tasmanian way of life.
Now is the time to support our hard working hospitality businesses and their staff by catching up with friends or family over coffee, lunch, dinner or drinks.
We are encouraging Tasmanians to keep getting out and supporting local businesses where possible – buying local and enjoying local. However, please continue to observe the gathering restrictions, maintain appropriate social distancing and keep up good hygiene practices as we strive to avoid a second wave of the virus in Tasmania.
The Welcome Back campaign complements Tourism Tasmania's 'Make Yourself at Home' campaign, which launched in June and encourages Tasmanians to holiday at home safely, and support the local tourism industry.
The campaign includes a television advertisement to air from tonight and will run for 3 months. It also includes posters and coasters with the Welcome Back message that hospitality venue owners can download and display in their business.
I would like to acknowledge and thank the very constructive roles of the THA and local businesses for their strong advocacy as we continue to rebuild Tasmania.
